The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) made one pick in the first two rounds of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, selecting midfielder Peter-Lee Vassell in the second round with the 40th overall selection.
“We came away with a young player who we think has talent. We like the way he plays and approaches the game, and he showed that every time he stepped on the field,” said LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley. “He has an easy way of moving around the field. He’s got a good ability to control balls, make good passes and I’m excited to work with him.”
Vassell comes to MLS by way of Harbour View FC in Jamaica’s Red Stripe Premier League, where he spent the past two seasons. While with the Stars, Vassell tallied two goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.
The midfielder took part in the MLS Caribbean Combine in October, winning MVP honors at the event held in Kingston, Jamaica, earning him a spot at the 2019 MLS Combine presented by adidas in Orlando. The Jamaican international is the only player from the pool of 205 available players to have never played a single minute of collegiate soccer in the United States.
In addition to his success at the Caribbean Combine, the 19-year-old has excelled at all levels for the Jamaican National Team. Making appearances in the U17, U20, and U23 squads, Vassell has also been capped nine times by the senior squad. With Jamaica, the midfielder has five goals, the most recent coming in a 6-0 win over Bonaire in a Concacaf Nations League qualifier last October.
“I am really excited to come to L.A. I have been watching some of their games and I like the way the team plays – my way,” added Vassell. “I like possession, scoring goals and attacking people all day. L.A. is a wonderful place and I can’t wait to get started.”
LAFC currently holds the 64th and 73rd overall picks in the third and fourth rounds that are scheduled to take place via conference call on Monday, January 14.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) selects midfielder Peter-Lee Vassell in the second round (40th overall) of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
VITALS:
Name: Peter-Lee Vassell
Position: Midfielder
Born: 03/15/1999
Birthplace: Saint James Parish, Jamaica
Last Club: Harbour View
Citizenship: Jamaica